Some Words on "It's No Fun"

        Today (yesterday while you’re reading this) I announced It’s No Fun is coming out this Friday. It’s been a while since I’ve put something out into the world. I’m so excited, and I’m also nervous.

        This song marks a shift for me, internally and externally. I think in the past the songs I’ve put out were my best-written songs - that is to say that while they might not have been completely autobiographical, they were stories based on nuggets from my life that I could mine and exaggerate to show off how clever I could be and what concept I could think of: how good of a songwriter could I be? Kind of like mental masturbation (am I allowed to say that?)

        I started writing for my first project at 18 and since then, a lot has changed: I’ve written a hit song with my best friends, left college, moved across the country, gone on tour three times, shared drinks with the vampires of Los Angeles whom Tom Petty and Olivia Rodrigo so poignantly write about, had a complicated friend breakup that felt more intense that any romantic rift I’ve ever had, made new friends, hunted for new creative partners, broke myself down and built myself back up over and over again, trying to figure out who I am to myself and who I am to other people. 19-22 has been so wonderful, but Taylor Swift was definitely onto something with the "happy free confused and lonely at the same time" bit. The songs written during this time were and continue to be my lifeline. 'It’s No Fun' is one of those songs. I needed it in a way I haven’t really felt since I was 12 writing about what felt like the end of the world (mean girls who didn’t invite you to their birthday party and boys who liked your friend over you)(she was wearing a bra already and was super good at soccer).

        I love this record. I love how I sound, how it sounds, how I felt making it with Ryan (shoutout Ryan. You are not only amazing at every instrument, but also an amazing person and you let me be weird and burp into the mic), and how I felt writing it with Annika and Rory (also shoutout). Writing it felt like everything I needed to say but couldn’t find the words to. 

        Thank you Sierra who took my photo and Frostie who did my makeup and my friend’s uncle who let us use his apartment for the cover art photo shoot. I love how it turned out and the blue eyeshadow eeeee.

        I lastly want to thank my managers. They’re really incredible people and have helped me through a lot, even when I change my mind about everything and produce my songs three separate times (sorry).

        The most exciting thing to me is when the song reaches your ears, it will become yours. There is freedom in that to me. Because no longer is it about a shitty person or experience or whatever, but it’s about you guys and healing and screaming with your friends or at shows together, and that fucking rocks.

        Ok that’s it. I’m going to bed really happy. I can’t wait for you to hear the full song. And I will be promoting this one annoyingly a lot because I love it so much sorry. Anyways, I love you guys.

Logging off,
Bridge Queen, Grace Enger

Welcome Back (me to myself)

Why hello there. 

I'm writing from my childhood bedroom in Hoboken, NJ (no I still haven't gone to wawa and that needs to change). I haven't written on here in a while and I've really missed it. 

If I'm being honest, I haven't been in the best place mentally. For the past year I have been trying to find a new producer for the next project and I tried songs over and over and over only to feel they weren't good enough for myself or for you. My tone now is pretty light but truly it was one of the most helpless moments of my life. I want to stand undoubtedly behind everything I put out, and when I don't feel like my vision is being executed it makes me break down (I used to cry when I colored outside of the lines if that gives you any idea of what it's like in my brain). I think I was scared to show this part of the process with people because I didn't think they would want to hear about the negative parts of my life, especially when from the outside everything probably seems great. 

I am happy to say that I am so inspired by the music I am making now and you will get to hear it very soon. AND I am way happier. Getting out of LA and being with my family and friends here is important for me. I feel like a person again. 

I've been writing new songs, reading ("Boy Parts by Eliza Clark, it's raunchy but I really like it), feeling like a fan of music again, a fan of life really. And I've been going around and trying a bunch of new food like this Korean place Kisa (10/10 go here if you're in New York) and these slushies at A & N Fruit Store (also a 10/10 I got the green apple flavor) with my friend Mia. 

OH we also went to the Whitney and saw their bicentennial exhibit which was pretty graphic I won't lie but it compared how marginalized groups have been dehumanized and how AI will also strip of us of our humanity and what that means for art and art from women, POC, etc. I went to a few gallery openings as well this week but I don't really know what any of the art was about (I was more interested in the free wine and the people watching). 

Anyways, back to the music. The songs that I'm getting ready to put out are the most personal yet and while that's extremely scary for me, it also is exciting. Like running into someone you never wanted to see again on the street. That's what it feels like kind of. Or your mom reading your diary. idk. 

I think that's all I have for you for now. Thanks for sticking with me and being patient. We'll talk soon. 

Love, 

Grace 

p.s. wait last time I said I'd tell you my favorite 5 songs at the moment in the blogs so here: 

1. Tenha Fé by Os Originais Do Samba 

2. Close To You by Gracie Abrams even though it just came out today like I'm obsessed 

3. Sexy to Someone Clairo cuz duh 

4. 1234 by Fiest 

5. I Am The Walrus by The Beatles the production is just insane 

Funnest Facts

I initially started this blog as a way to get to know each other, so I thought this week I would share some extra fun facts that you might not know about me. 

1. I was on Cake Boss two times (proof below) 

2. I sing background vocals on a Goo Goo Dolls song that is currently out, but I won't tell you which one because I'm cryptic. 

3. I dislocated my elbow at gymnastics class in 7th grade by trying to do an ariel - I was far too old and too tall to be in the novice class but we ignore such things.  

4. I was vegan for five years, vegetarian for two, and now have been pescetarian for two. Basically, I have just been regressing slowly. My veganism was proof to myself that it would not be very hard to convince me to join a cult. Love vegans tho. 

5. My first ever concert was Troye Sivan at Webster Hall with LANY as the opener. It was the Blue Neighborhood tour and I didn't know either of their music. But I left and Blue Neighborhood became one of my favorite albums in 6th grade. and ILYSB. I used to be embarrassed about this because my first concert wasn't like Stevie Nicks or some legendary person your parents take you to, but now Troye Sivan is cool so it's ok. 

6. I used to religiously watch Pretty Little Liars every Tuesday. I tried rewatching it recently and the acting was so painful, and I think it gave me nightmares, but nonetheless, I was hooked. 

7. I have the same birthday as Selena Gomez, and I used to think that meant we were supposed to be best friends. 

8. The one time I've ever gotten myself in a car accident, I was listening to Reckless Driving by Lizzy McAlpine and Ben Kessler.

9. I hate oranges. 

10. People didn't really know that I did music until the end of high school, but I was very into sports. I was my basketball team's all-star my junior year of high school. Ball is lyfe. 

Those are all the fun facts I can think of. Hope you found them fun and factual. 

xoxo,

Grace

Hi Hi Hi (1 Month till Tour)

Hi Guys. 

    Miss You. Feels like we haven't chatted in a bit. Wanted to say hi and update you. If you were just on live with me too, hi. 

    One month until tour with Laufey. Feeling excited to get to share the stage with Laufey, meet new people, and play in beautiful venues. Definitely nervous as well. Been putting pressure on myself to be better, do better, make better, everything. It's motivating. But I'm trying to learn to also just accept good things as good now, and not as things that will be good in the future. 

    I've been writing a lot and beginning to finish music. I'm very proud of the songs I've been writing. Probably the most honest I've ever been in my music. Definitely more mature. I have been thinking about the visual identity for my next stuff too. It's exciting to have a blank slate. There are so many things to be drawn to, and I've been realizing that most of the stuff I like is because of my parents, as are most things. 

    Deleted social media last weekend. It felt good. I'm someone who needs breaks from it. I get stressed about how I'm perceived. Not in my music, but visually. That's the kind of anxiety that happens when you've been on the internet since you were 10. I'm trying to figure out the balance between connecting with the people I love online (reading your dms makes me so so happy) and all the bombardment of stuff I don't need to see. I'll lyk if I ever figure it out. 

    I've been very busy.  Most days, I feel like a chicken running around with my head cut off. Workout, therapy or coffee with a friend (same release, different levels of sound advice), session, sometimes another session, drive around (oh fuck I ran out of gas), social media, see another friend and make dinner, remember there were 5 things I forgot to do that day, read my book (Catcher In The Rye currently) and drift to sleep to do it again tomorrow. I like being busy though. It keeps me sane. 

    Oh, and I've started to watch movies. If you know me, you know I've seen no movies, so this is big for me. Watched Fight Club, Frances Ha, and Lost In Translation. Liked them all for different reasons. Lost in Translation makes me need to go to Japan, but it wasn't my favorite. 

    I feel like I've started a new chapter. Season two, if you will. I've settled a bit into LA. I have my lovely friends. I'm happy and that feels good. 

    Hope you all are great. Can't wait to show you all the good stuff I've been working on. Talk soon. 

    Love you so much, 

    Grace 

p.s. gonna start listing five songs I have been loving at the end of every blog cuz I think that would be fun. 

Been listening to: 

Goddess by Laufey ofc 

Strong Enough by Sheryl Crow 

Older by Lizzy McAlpine

Karma Police by Radiohead 

The First Taste by Fiona Apple 

First Headline Shows :')

 Well helloooooo - 

The last two weeks have been the most incredible weeks of my life. 

First headline shows are done. I will remember those nights for the rest of my life. I love music. I love my band. I love you guys. Thank you so much for caring about me and my music and showing up. I think we could all feel how special the energy in the room was. 

I went home and journaled after both shows and wrote down my favorite moments so I'd remember them forever. 

My favorite moments from both shows were:

- Hitting my head on the speaker at Baby's

- Screaming whore so loud with you all healed me lol 

- imytn. I think this was my favorite song of the set. I cried in New York when you guys started singing it back to me. 

- Reading all of your letters after the show, including the whole scrapbook that Sam, Sarah, and Madeline organized. It was the most thoughtful thing anyone has ever done for me. 

- When everyone held up roses for Bad Guy in LA

- Doing my nightly jump-up-and-down-in-a-circle-while-I-try-to-make-an-inspiration-speech with my band 

- Hearing how much you loved the openers Margot and Lauren, and hearing them say how kind and attentive you all were 

- The Neighborhood signs in LA

- Handing out the physical tickets we made for the shows. I wanted to make them as proof that you guys were here at the beginning. 

- The boy who dressed up in a pickle costume all the way from Portland, you and your girlfriend are so awesome

- Andrew's guitar solos 

- Meeting everyone at merch. You are all such special people. And some of you came from so far away?? I'm so lucky that I get to know you. 

- Having my parents and friends at both. They mean so much to me and are so supportive (even when I am bad at answering my texts)

- Playing my new songs with new arrangements, and getting to play one with Jake in LA

It's weird being aware that your dreams are slowly coming true. I know it's only the beginning, but I feel so excited for the future. There are so many things I haven't done yet and so many songs I haven't written. I can't wait to do this again. Thanks for being here. The Neighborhood forever. 

Love love love, 

Grace 

First Week Of The Year

I spent the first day of the year with a headache, a loooong beach walk with my friend, and a big bowl of optimism.

Maybe I’m one of those annoying bright eyed people who swears this year is gonna be better than the last, but I swear this year is gonna be better than the last!! I have a good feeling. Or maybe I just feel pretty good right now. Either way, happy new year.

I feel like I have a lot of questions about this year and about myself. Some are big gaping holes and some are a small stitch undone in a sweater. I’m excited to meet myself at the end of the year and see if those questions are answered or if I already know the answers now I hope I’ve accepted them by then.

My first headline shows are this month and I’m really excited. And a bit nervous but mostly excited. I start rehearsals next week. I know my band. The guitar player I’ve known since I was 2 which is really cool and we played in bands together through high school.

I know I’m a little late (sue me) but I want to share my favorites of 2023.

Albums
This Is Why - Paramore
In The End It Always Does - The Japanese House (which btw thanks to them for playing when it was over on their pre show playlist)
Details - Frou Frou
Little Voice - Sara Bareilles (came back to this one this year)

Songs
Think Fast - Dominic Fike ft Weezer
Got It Bad - Troye Sivan
Strip Mall - Jake Minch
She Calls Me Back - Noah Kahan
Lisztomania - Phoenix
Littlest Things - Lily Allen
Southern Sky - Alex G
It’ll Be (Video Games) - Lauren Juzang

Things
My Mary Janes
Making salmon / cooking for my friends
Going to the ocean
My red WHWA sambas my team got me the night the ep dropped at radio city
Blush
Grillos
Playing shows
My (first) car

Moments
Seeing my sister graduate high school
Finding out abt the maisie tour (I cried)
Walking around in the rain in Copenhagen
The entire day leading up to radio city
The day I moved into my current place
Driving to Malibu alone
Writing WIWO
Selling out the Jan shows from my childhood bedroom
When my writers block ended
Going back to New York a lot and seeing my college friends
Switching to matcha over coffee
Receiving letters and reading them in the green room

That’s all I can think of for now. Very grateful for 2023 and for you especially if it brought us together. I’m looking forward to more shows and letters and music and cooking with friends and life and watercolors and buying tee shirts I don’t need. Sending you love and hope for 2024. I’m gonna go live now. Ok byeeeeee.

Love,
Grace

Back From The Center Of The Earth

Oh blogggggggg

Don’t think I forgot about you.

Hi. It’s been a while. I fell down a hole to the center of the earth and now I have been reborn from the lava.

I promised a girl dahlia I would post this week and although it’s not Friday, I didn’t break my promise.

I’m back home in New Jersey for a few days. I love the cold. It’s very nice to see my home friends again. We had dinner with all of our moms and it was very sweet. Lots of Prosecco and pizzaaaaa.

Life has been interesting. Some very high highs (which you’ll hear about very soon) and some low lows. I guess that’s just how it goes. I hope to find some more balance in 2024.

I’ve been living out my days in Los Angeles, spilling over myself with songs. I saw a Joni Mitchell quote that said something like if you ever feel writers block it means you’re just afraid to tell the truth and that resonated with me. I feel the new music I’ve been writing is prioritizing honesty which is cool.

My family and I agreed to do no presents this year for Christmas, but it’s been fun putting together gifts for friends and even some of you guys hehehe. I cooked a BIG feast for my friends for Christmas which was delicious. The menu consisted of chickpea curry, rice, arugula salad, a medley of roasted veggies, sugar cookies, and I can’t remember if there was anything else. I got a few people my all time favorite book (tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin) to say thank you for all the work a few girls put into making The Neighborhood feel like a community, and sent out a few holiday cards too.

I deleted social media for a week. It was a nice brain cleanse. I have been having this overwhelming feeling like this world is a separate world from the world outside our phones if that makes sense? Like if I spend an hour scrolling I’ve just spent an hour on another planet until I look up and I’m back on earth. Idk I probably sound crazy but anyways it was nice to just live in this world for a bit. Ideally there’s an in between that feels healthy. Maybe I’ll get a flip phone to carry around and use this once a day to check in idk. 

I hope everyone reading this has a great holiday. Personally, I’m looking forward to eating a lot and spending time with my family, and taking some much needed time for relaxation. I know for some people it can be a hard time of the year and if that’s you I’m sending you love.

Also, there might be something coming this week. A holiday present from me to you?

Love,
Grace